BWCA Campsite #1004

- Crystal Bay Township, MN 55731

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), nestled within Minnesota’s vast Superior National Forest, is a national treasure offering an unparalleled wilderness experience. For local Minnesotans and adventurous visitors alike, this million-plus acre expanse of clear lakes and ancient forests provides the ultimate escape from modern life. Among the over 2,000 designated campsites carefully dispersed throughout this protected region is BWCA Campsite #1004. This specific location offers a genuine, primitive camping experience—the very essence of a Boundary Waters trip—and serves as a testament to the state's dedication to preserving its wild, northern heritage.

Campsite #1004 is not a drive-up campground with modern amenities; it is a vital part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. It represents a commitment to solitude, self-reliance, and low-impact travel. This designation means that it adheres to the strict 'Leave No Trace' principles and regulations set forth by the U.S. Forest Service to maintain the area's pristine, pre-European settlement character.

For those planning their next wilderness paddling adventure in the Minnesota Northwoods, understanding the specific context of this campsite—its location within the larger BWCA ecosystem and the regulations that govern its use—is crucial for a successful and respectful trip.

BWCA Campsite #1004 is officially situated in the expansive wilderness managed under the address: Crystal Bay Township, MN 55731, USA. This location places it deep within the eastern region of the Superior National Forest. To understand its true accessibility, one must look beyond a simple mailing address.

As a designated BWCA campsite, it is inherently remote and only accessible by watercraft, primarily canoes or kayaks, often requiring paddling across multiple lakes and traversing portages (overland trails between waterways). The specific lake that Campsite #1004 resides on, and its proximity to a BWCA Entry Point, would determine the difficulty and length of the journey. For instance, the campsite's location within Crystal Bay Township suggests it is likely in the eastern part of the Boundary Waters, potentially served by entry points along the Gunflint Trail (such as East Bearskin, Clearwater, or Saganaga Lake Entry Points) or other access points near towns like Grand Marais.

Accessibility, therefore, is defined by the wilderness journey. Users should plan for a demanding trip involving paddling, navigation via map and compass, and portaging all gear. There is no vehicle access to this campsite, nor are there any roads or permanent structures nearby. Its accessibility is a direct function of the visitor's physical ability and preparation for deep wilderness travel.

The core services offered at Campsite #1004 are the essential, permanent features required for safe, low-impact wilderness camping. Unlike commercial campgrounds, the BWCA focuses on providing only the most basic, necessary provisions to preserve the wilderness character. All other "services" must be carried in and out by the visitors themselves.

• Designated Tent Pads/Areas: The site offers flat, cleared areas (often two or three) for setting up tents, intended to minimize impact on the surrounding vegetation and topography.

• Steel Fire Grate: A permanent, raised steel fire ring is provided for cooking and campfires (when no fire restrictions are in place). This feature centralizes fire activity to prevent wildfires and limit ground scarring.

• Wilderness Latrine: An outdoor, pit-style latrine is provided a short distance from the main camp area to handle human waste in an environmentally sound way.

• Canoe Landing Spot: A natural, non-developed area along the shoreline is available for securely docking and launching watercraft.

It is important to note what is not offered: there is no running water, electricity, trash disposal (all trash must be packed out), Wi-Fi, cell service, flush toilets, showers, or picnic tables beyond the steel grate. Self-sufficiency is paramount.

Campsite #1004, like all BWCA sites, boasts natural features that define the quintessential Northwoods camping experience. Its specific highlights depend on its immediate surroundings, which are often highly sought after by those seeking the region's particular beauty.

• Pristine Lake Access: Direct, unpolluted access to the lake for swimming, fishing, and water collection (which must be filtered or treated).

• High Potential for Solitude: Due to strict permitting and a maximum group size of nine people and four watercraft, the campsite is designed to offer a peaceful, solitary experience away from crowds.

• Fishing Opportunities: The lake on which the campsite is located may offer excellent fishing for native Minnesota species like Northern Pike, Walleye, Lake Trout, or Smallmouth Bass, depending on the lake's ecosystem.

• Old-Growth Forest Setting: The site is surrounded by the Superior National Forest, typically featuring towering Red and White Pines, Birch, and Aspen trees, offering natural shade and beauty.

• Wildlife Viewing: The deep wilderness location increases the chances of spotting Minnesota's iconic wildlife, including Moose, Black Bear (requiring proper bear-aware food storage), Loons, and various bird species.

• Celestial Views: Its remote nature, far from city light pollution, provides spectacular opportunities for stargazing and viewing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) when conditions are right.

Specific contact information for a single, remote campsite like BWCA Campsite #1004 does not exist. Instead, all administrative and regulatory inquiries, including the critical permit reservation process, are handled through the U.S. Forest Service or the official reservation system.

For information regarding permits, regulations, and general planning for a trip to any BWCA campsite, including #1004, use the official resources for the Superior National Forest and the federal permit reservation system.

• Address (Administrative): Superior National Forest Headquarters, 8901 Grand Ave Pl, Duluth, MN 55808 (This is the address for the forest managing the area, not the campsite itself).

• Permit Reservations (Phone): 1-877-444-6777 (This is the national hotline for securing BWCA permits, which are mandatory for entry and must specify the entry point and date).

• General Forest Inquiries (Phone): Consult the official U.S. Forest Service Superior National Forest website for the Kawishiwi Ranger District or Gunflint Ranger District contact numbers, as these districts oversee the eastern BWCA region.

Remember, all trips to Campsite #1004 during the quota season (May 1 – September 30) require a reserved Quota Permit secured well in advance. Without a valid permit for the correct entry point, access is prohibited.

BWCA Campsite #1004, and the Boundary Waters experience it represents, is uniquely suited for Minnesota residents. This vast wilderness is often considered the crowning jewel of Minnesota's public lands, offering a deep, authentic connection to the state's natural identity—an identity shaped by glacially carved lakes and boreal forests.

For locals, the BWCA offers an accessible, yet profound, wilderness adventure that requires only a modest drive to an outfitting base or entry point, yet transports you worlds away. Campsite #1004 provides the perfect setting for locals to disconnect from urban life and reconnect with the rugged, beautiful solitude of the Northwoods. It’s a place for family traditions, quiet contemplation, challenging physical activity on the portages, and unforgettable memories under some of the darkest night skies in the state.

This campsite allows Minnesotans to fully embrace their heritage of paddling, fishing, and responsible stewardship of the land. It’s more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an opportunity to experience the 'real' Minnesota wilderness, supporting the local communities that outfit and protect the area while fostering a personal commitment to preserving this magnificent, untamed piece of the state for generations to come. Booking a permit for Campsite #1004 is securing a piece of Minnesota's irreplaceable wild heart.

BWCA Campsite #1004

Crystal Bay Township, MN 55731, USA